Dr Dray Warns Five Below Shoppers Diluting Sunscreen Breaks UV Defense

Dermatologist Shops Five Below Skincare! What’s Worth Buying? — Dr Dray

Dr Dray

Blending bronzing drops directly into sunscreen destabilizes the emulsion and compromises uniform film formation, destroying the product's ultraviolet protection.

AI-assisted summary of Dermatologist Shops Five Below Skincare! What’s Worth Buying? — original source. Check the original for full context.

Source published:

Key ideas

  • Many discount store deodorants contain hidden aluminum chlorohydrate, which combined with heavy fragrance can trigger underarm irritation and hyperpigmentation. (0:00)
  • Antiperspirants should be applied at night rather than in the morning to allow aluminum salts time to diffuse into sweat ducts before physical friction rubs them away. (1:00)
  • Bronzing drops and secondary products must never be blended directly into sunscreen formulations, as altering the emulsion disrupts the protective film and compromises UV defense. (9:01)
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not eradicate resilient pathogens such as norovirus, C. difficile, or Cryptosporidium, requiring traditional soap-and-water washing instead. (8:34)

Detailed notes

## Background Published on October 2, 2026, on YouTube by dermatologist Dr. Dray, this video follows her shopping trip through the beauty and personal care aisles of Five Below. According to the description, she examines affordable skincare, body washes, lotions, lip products, sunscreens, and hair accessories to determine which formulations offer real dermatological benefits and which items may pose risks like irritation.

## TL;DR Dr. Dray navigates the budget beauty offerings at Five Below, breaking down product formulations from an evidence-based dermatological perspective. She highlights the risks of underarm hyperpigmentation and contact cheilitis from heavily fragranced deodorants containing hidden aluminum and scented lip balms with beeswax. Throughout the aisles, she endorses effective hydrators like Tree Hut body washes, dimethicone-infused body butters, and DHA self-tanners, while firmly cautioning against mixing bronzing drops directly into sunscreens due to film disruption. Balancing product praise with medical warnings, she also reviews affordable SPFs like Banana Boat Sport and Poolside Clear Intentions alongside whimsical novelty items.

## Atmosphere & style The video has a casual, educational, and dryly humorous vibe as Dr. Dray browses the retail shelves with a magnifying-glass scrutiny of ingredient decks. Viewers experience an engaging blend of clinical expertise and playful commentary, moving from serious warnings about barrier damage and contact allergies to wry jokes about pop culture, cute charms, and novelty packaging. It feels like tagging along on a budget shopping spree with an exceptionally knowledgeable friend who protects your skin barrier while letting you laugh at absurd graphic tees.

## Bulletin - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=0s) Many discount store deodorants contain hidden aluminum chlorohydrate, which combined with heavy fragrance can trigger underarm irritation and hyperpigmentation. - [01:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=60s) Antiperspirants should be applied at night rather than in the morning to allow aluminum salts time to diffuse into sweat ducts before physical friction rubs them away. - [09:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=541s) Bronzing drops and secondary products must never be blended directly into sunscreen formulations, as altering the emulsion disrupts the protective film and compromises UV defense. - [08:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=514s) Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not eradicate resilient pathogens such as norovirus, C. difficile, or Cryptosporidium, requiring traditional soap-and-water washing instead.

## Key takeaways - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=0s) Certain deodorants contain aluminum chlorohydrate without highlighting it as an active antiperspirant on the front label. - [00:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=35s) Combining high fragrance levels with aluminum salts increases underarm irritation, a leading driver of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. - [01:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=75s) Spray antiperspirants are preferable over sticks for hairy underarms because sticks coat the hair rather than the skin and prolong exposure to irritating ingredients. - [01:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=90s) Individuals without hyperhidrosis only need to apply antiperspirant a few nights per week at bedtime for lasting sweat control. - [02:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=167s) Scented lip balms containing beeswax, propolis, or artificial flavorings carry a high risk of triggering allergic contact cheilitis. - [03:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=195s) Formulations combining dimethicone with mineral oil provide strong barrier occlusion while counteracting greasy residue. - [03:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=239s) Over-combining physical body scrubs with shaving or chemical exfoliants damages the skin barrier and causes irritant contact dermatitis. - [04:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=263s) Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) sunless tanning provides a safe alternative to UV exposure, but it offers no ultraviolet sun protection. - [05:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=310s) Chemical body exfoliants shorten the lifespan of a DHA self-tan by accelerating cell turnover, though they help ensure an even application. - [06:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=372s) Liquid paraffin and mineral oil body oils effectively soften and lift dry, flaky skin without requiring aggressive mechanical abrasion. - [08:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=514s) Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against norovirus, C. diff, and Cryptosporidium, which require physical washing with soap and water. - [09:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=541s) Mixing bronzing drops or moisturizers directly into sunscreen destabilizes the emulsion and degrades its UV protection factor. - [09:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=580s) Banana Boat Sport SPF 30 is well-suited for humid environments because its water-resistant film resists sweating while allowing perspiration to evaporate naturally. - [10:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=612s) Incorporating niacinamide into chemical sunscreen formulations provides valuable antioxidant defense against ultraviolet-induced oxidative stress while addressing redness and dark spots.

## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=0s) Underarm Care, Antiperspirants vs. Deodorants, and Body Washes

Dr. Dray begins her browsing at Five Below in the personal care aisle, examining body wash options with scents like citrus that look like dupes for Native body wash, alongside items marketed as deodorants in scents like Frosted Cherry, Vanilla Honey, and Sugar Cookie. Upon inspecting the ingredients, she points out a crucial distinction: while marketed simply as deodorant, the formula contains aluminum chlorohydrate, making it a "hidden antiperspirant" where the aluminum salt is not called out as an active ingredient on the front. On a positive note, these formulations do not contain isothiazolinones—preservatives commonly found in discount stores like Dollar Tree that have notoriously high rates of contact allergy. However, combining a heavy fragrance load with aluminum salts creates a high potential for underarm irritation. This irritation is a primary culprit behind underarm hyperpigmentation (dark armpits). She emphasizes that fragrance can cause discoloration even without a noticeable rash or primary skin inflammation, and a prolonged trial of cutting out antiperspirants or deodorants completely can help post-inflammatory pigment fade.

For application methods, Dr. Dray strongly favors spray formats over stick applicators for individuals with underarm hair. When people use sticks on hairy underarms, they tend to vigorously rub back and forth, heavily coating the hair rather than the skin. This unnecessarily increases the surface contact area and exposure time to irritating fragrance and aluminum salts. Spray antiperspirants bypass the hair barrier far more cleanly to reach the skin. Addressing sweat reduction, she explains that people without hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) only need to use true antiperspirants a couple of nights per week. The widespread habit of applying antiperspirant in the morning is ineffective because normal daily motion rubs it off before the aluminum salts can properly diffuse into the sweat ducts.

```mermaid flowchart TD accTitle: Antiperspirant Application Routine accDescr: Step-by-step flowchart contrasting effective nighttime application with ineffective morning application.

subgraph Night["Effective Application (Night)"] A["Apply to clean, dry underarms at bedtime"] --> B["Aluminum salts settle into sweat ducts overnight"] B --> C["Wash surface residue off next morning"] C --> D["Maintains sweat reduction for days"] end

subgraph Morning["Common Mistake (Morning)"] E["Apply stick or spray in the morning"] --> F["Clothing & friction rub product off immediately"] F --> G["Fails to penetrate follicles adequately"] end ```

[02:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=152s) Sprinkles Lotions, Lip Balm Irritation, and Exfoliating Scrubs

Moving through the aisles, Dr. Dray spots a Sprinkles cupcake-themed body lotion. While evaluating moisturizers strictly by ingredient lists is tricky, she notes it contains mineral oil, which excels at sealing in moisture and preventing transepidermal water loss. Nearby sits an NYC Lip Revival mini petroleum jelly pot, which prompts a warning about chapped lips and contact cheilitis. While plain petroleum jelly is the gold standard for healing cracked lips, this product adds fragrance, mineral oil, and beeswax. Both beeswax and propolis are frequent allergens responsible for allergic contact cheilitis. She also discovers a Sprinkles Strawberry Cupcake body butter, which combines mineral oil with dimethicone—an ideal pairing because dimethicone counteracts greasiness while forming an effective barrier against moisture loss.

Turning to body scrubs, she spots Sol de Janeiro–style tubs and Tree Hut foaming gel body washes and sugar scrubs. Tree Hut body washes are an item she personally uses and recommends as long as one does not have a fragrance allergy. While sugar scrubs provide gentle mechanical exfoliation that can help smooth rough bumps from keratosis pilaris, she warns viewers against aggressively combining mechanical scrubs with shaving and chemical exfoliants (such as glycolic or lactic acid). Over-exfoliating damages the skin barrier, creating razor burn or irritant contact dermatitis.

- Tree Hut foaming gel washes provide good value and performance for non-fragrance-sensitive skin. - Dimethicone paired with mineral oil reduces the greasy after-feel while preserving occlusive properties. - Beeswax and propolis in scented lip products frequently trigger allergic contact cheilitis.

[04:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=263s) Love Island Spray Tan Gun and Shimmer Body Oils

Dr. Dray comes across a Love Island–branded spray tan gun and confesses she knows "nothing about what the heck Love Island is," despite hearing it referenced constantly. Intrigued by the gadget, she checks the ingredients and confirms the formulas rely on dihydroxyacetone (DHA). She underscores that DHA sunless tanning is dramatically safer than UV tanning beds or unprotected sun exposure. While preliminary research hints that DHA might offer minor protection against visible light, it provides zero UV sun protection.

She addresses a common skincare dilemma regarding sunless tanners and exfoliating actives. Using body lotions containing retinol, glycolic acid, ammonium lactate, or lactic acid will accelerate cell turnover and shorten how long the DHA tan lasts, because DHA reacts with proteins in the dead outer layers of the stratum corneum. However, active chemical exfoliants ensure the tan applies smoothly rather than clinging to dry patches and producing patchy spots or orange kneecaps.

Beside the tanning gun are Love Island "Spray and Slay" shimmer body oils in scents like Villa Vanilla, Fiji Punch, and Casa Colada. The large 10-ounce bottles contain liquid paraffin (mineral oil) as a base. She notes that while body oils do not actively hydrate skin (apart from mineral oil providing occlusion), they excel at softening and gently lifting flaky skin without mechanical abrasion.

| Product Type | Active / Base Ingredient | Skin Benefit | Dermatologist Considerations | |:--- |:--- |:--- |:--- | | **Love Island Spray Tan** | Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) | Safe sunless pigment via protein interaction | No UV protection; chemical exfoliants shorten duration but prevent patchiness | | **Love Island Shimmer Spray** | Liquid paraffin (mineral oil) | Softens flakes, adds shimmer, seals moisture | Contains heavy fragrance; gentle alternative for lifting dead skin flakes |

[07:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=432s) Boba Gel Lotions, Hair Accessories, and Sanitizers

In a display of novelty items, Dr. Dray spots Boba-themed body gel lotions with attached mini spoons in flavors like Brown Sugar and Strawberry Matcha. Delighted by the presentation, she jokes that "this alone is worth getting allergic contact dermatitis for" before finding impressive hydrating ingredients on the label. The gel includes sodium hyaluronate, trehalose, and *Chondrus crispus* (Irish moss / snow mushroom extract), all of which provide hydration to the skin. Nearby, Hi Peach Layne body scrubs and lip treatments are displayed alongside claw clips. She admires a Strawberry Shortcake claw clip, playfully comparing it to a Winnie the Pooh clip that she deems "a little too juvenile" for her personal taste, joking, "I don't know where I draw the line, okay? I don't make the rules."

Checking the hand sanitizers, Dr. Dray reminds viewers that while alcohol-based gels are excellent for standard cold and flu viruses, they fail against certain resilient pathogens. Specifically, alcohol sanitizers do not eradicate: - *Clostridioides difficile* (*C. diff*) - Norovirus - *Cryptosporidium*

Physical handwashing with soap and running water is strictly required to clear these microorganisms.

[09:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=541s) Bronzing Drops and the Sunscreen Rule

Dr. Dray spots Dani Beauty Sun-Kissed Bronzing Drops. While these liquid bronzers can be blended into a standard body or face moisturizer, she issues an emphatic warning never to mix them directly into sunscreen. Dispensing sunscreen into your palm and stirring in drops compromises the formula's emulsion, disrupts the uniform film-forming capability on the skin, and degrades the UV protection factor. Users must apply sunscreen on its own, allow it to dry down completely into a protective layer, and only then apply makeup or tinting products carefully over top without disturbing the sunscreen film.

[09:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=580s) Sunscreen Options: Banana Boat, Shimmer Sunscreen, and Poolside Clear Intentions

Dr. Dray reiterates the fundamental rule of sun protection: you should never mix other products, including bronzers or even other sunscreens, into your sunscreen formulation, as doing so compromises its ability to reliably protect your skin. Looking over the shelves, she spots Banana Boat Sport SPF 30, which she highlights as an excellent, practical choice for humid climates. Its water resistance ensures that the product stays firmly in place rather than sliding off, and it performs remarkably well even when you are actively sweating. Rather than feeling suffocating or heavy on the skin, it allows sweat to evaporate naturally without creating an oppressive layer.

Moving along the aisle, she finds the Shimmer Sunscreen for the face by Sugar Girl, noting that she does not believe it was in stock during her previous visit. This formula is a chemical sunscreen enriched with niacinamide. Dr. Dray explains that niacinamide is a beneficial additive because it targets dark spots and redness while providing antioxidant protection to help counter the damaging oxidative effects of ultraviolet light—a valuable boost considering that no sunscreen offers a 100% complete block against UV radiation. While she acknowledges that niacinamide has become a fairly standard ingredient across the skincare industry, its presence here is a solid plus. Next to it, she identifies Poolside Clear Intentions, highlighting that it is a fragrance-free chemical sunscreen option.

- **Mixing warning:** Never blend additives, bronzers, or secondary sunscreens into your base SPF, as altering the vehicle disrupts the protective film and undermines UV defense. - **Banana Boat Sport SPF 30:** Highly recommended for humid weather; offers dependable water resistance, stays set when sweating, and maintains a breathable finish that lets perspiration evaporate. - **Sugar Girl Shimmer Sunscreen:** A chemical facial sunscreen featuring niacinamide to tackle hyperpigmentation and erythema while contributing antioxidant defense against free-radical damage. - **Poolside Clear Intentions:** A chemical sunscreen formulation that is notably fragrance-free, making it gentler for sensitive skin profiles.

[10:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=639s) Surface Cutie Pals Lip Balms and Charms

Dr. Dray turns her attention to the Surface Cutie Pals lip balms, first issuing a dermatological caution: setting aside the risk of allergic contact cheilitis triggered by artificial flavorings in heavily flavored balms, she is genuinely impressed by the packaging and presentation. She remarks on how substantial the product is, calling it "a pretty sizable tube of lip balm" and praising the "generous portion."

What truly wins her over, however, are the novelty charms attached to the tubes. She recalls her past review of Cocokind lip balms, noting that while she liked the formula itself, "they had the lamest charms." In contrast, the Surface Cutie Pals accessories hit the mark: "Way to go Surface. You definitely one-upped Cocokind on your lip balm." Looking through the surrounding display, she notes matching hand sanitizer options and checks out the scent selections, which include Cherry Pie, Caramel Latte, and a rather ambiguous "Surprise." She playfully remarks that "Surprise" sounds like nothing more than a pink iteration of a mystery scent where "you never know what you're going to get."

[11:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=689s) Funny Graphic Tee and Store Checkout

Before wrapping up her Five Below browsing trip, Dr. Dray catches sight of a humorous graphic t-shirt displayed in the apparel section. The shirt reads: "AI can't replace me because I don't do anything." The self-deprecating humor strikes a chord with her, prompting a genuine burst of laughter as she chuckles, "I don't know why that made me laugh," bringing the shopping walkthrough to an amusing close.

## Notable quotes > [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=0s) hidden antiperspirant — Dr Dray

> [04:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=263s) nothing about what the heck Love Island is — Dr Dray

> [07:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=432s) this alone is worth getting allergic contact dermatitis for — Dr Dray

> [07:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=432s) a little too juvenile — Dr Dray

> [07:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=432s) I don't know where I draw the line, okay? I don't make the rules. — Dr Dray

> [10:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=639s) a pretty sizable tube of lip balm — Dr Dray

> [10:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=639s) they had the lamest charms — Dr Dray

> [10:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=639s) Way to go Surface. You definitely one-upped Cocokind on your lip balm. — Dr Dray

> [10:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=639s) you never know what you're going to get — Dr Dray

> [11:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=689s) AI can't replace me because I don't do anything.

> [11:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc&t=689s) I don't know why that made me laugh — Dr Dray

## Mentioned Dr Dray, Five Below, Dollar Tree, Native, Sprinkles, NYC Lip Revival, Sol de Janeiro, Tree Hut, Love Island, Hi Peach Layne, Strawberry Shortcake, Winnie the Pooh, Dani Beauty, Banana Boat, Sugar Girl, Poolside Clear Intentions, Surface Cutie Pals, Cocokind

## Video description Can you find good skincare, body care, hair accessories, and beauty products at Five Below? In this video, dermatologist Dr. Dray shops at Five Below and takes a closer look at the skincare and hair care products available, including which ones she likes, which ones she would use, and which ingredients offer potential benefits for skin and hair.

From body washes, lotions, and body butters to lip treatments, sunscreens, and bronzing drops, Dr. Dray breaks down product formulations and discusses ingredients that can help with hydration, skin barrier support, exfoliation, sun protection, and more.

The video also explores affordable beauty finds, including Tree Hut body washes and scrubs, colorful lip balms, shimmer sprays, body lotions, and fun hair accessories. Dr. Dray shares her dermatology perspective on what is worth considering and what to keep in mind when shopping for inexpensive skincare and beauty products.

Whether you're looking for affordable skincare at Five Below, budget-friendly body care, or a dermatologist's take on popular beauty finds, this shopping trip offers a closer look at what is available and which products may be worth trying.

Timestamps:

0:00 Nurture Body Wash & Deodorant 2:32 Sprinkles Body Lotion 2:47 NYC Lip Revival 3:15 Sprinkles Body Butter 3:35 Solar Flare Body Butter & Body Scrub 3:59 Tree Hut Body Wash & Scrubs 4:23 Love Island Spray Tan Gun 6:12 Love Island Body Lotion & Shimmer Sprays 7:12 Boba Body Gel Lotion 7:45 Hi Peach Layne Body Scrubs 7:59 Hi Peach Layne Lip Treatment 8:11 Strawberry Shortcake & Winnie the Pooh Hair Clips 8:34 Hand Sanitizer 8:55 Mini Beverage Tumblers 9:01 Dani Beauty Sun-Kissed Bronzing Drops 9:44 Sunscreens 10:39 Surface Cutie Pals Lip Balms 11:29 Funny Graphic Tee

What are your favorite affordable skincare and body care finds? Have you shopped for beauty products at Five Below? Share your favorite discoveries in the comments!

#FiveBelow #FiveBelowHaul #SkincareHaul #Dermatologist #AffordableSkincare #DrugstoreSkincare #BodyCare #SkincareReview #BeautyHaul #HairCare #Sunscreen #SkincareShopping #drdray

FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links.

💜Shop my Amazon store https://o.bttn.io/0BwiPWFIZLG 💜Follow me on liketoknowit https://www.liketoknow.it/drdrayzday 💜Social media Instagram @drdrayzday Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/drdrayzday/ Facebook @DrDrayzDay Twitter: @drdrayzday Tiktok: @drdrayzday

Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this Youtube channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this Youtube channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

[Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuDIZrdokc)

中文简报

Dr Dray 警告 Five Below 顾客：稀释防晒霜会破坏紫外线防护 将美黑液直接混入防晒霜会破坏乳化体系的稳定性并影响均匀成膜，从而破坏产品的紫外线防护效果。 Dr. Dray 探访了平价折扣店 Five Below 的美妆货架，从循证皮肤病学视角对各类产品的成分配方进行了剖析。她指出，含有隐性铝成分的高香精止汗剂可能诱发腋下色素沉着，而含蜂蜡的香味润唇膏则存在导致接触性唇炎的风险。在此期间，她认可了 Tree Hut 沐浴露、添加二甲硅油的身体乳以及 DHA 美黑产品等有效的保湿与护理单品，同时严正告诫切勿将美黑液直接混入防晒霜中以免破坏成膜。在兼顾产品评价与医学提醒的同时，她还测评了 Banana Boat Sport 和 Poolside Clear Intentions 等平价防晒产品以及部分新奇小单品。 许多折扣店的止汗剂含有隐性羟铝基氯化物（aluminum chlorohydrate），与浓重香精结合可能诱发腋下刺激和色素沉着。 (0:00) 止汗剂应在夜间而非早晨涂抹，以便在日常物理摩擦将其蹭掉之前，给铝盐留出扩散至汗腺导管的时间。 (1:00) 切勿将美黑液及其他辅助产品直接混入防晒霜配方中，因为改变乳化状态会破坏保护膜并削弱紫外线防护力。 (9:01) 醇类免洗洗手液无法杀灭诺如病毒、艰难梭菌（C. difficile）或隐孢子虫等顽固病原体，仍需使用传统肥皂和清水洗手。 (8:34)

Reading summary

Evaluating personal care products at Five Below, Dr. Dray balances the cost-effectiveness of budget formulations against the risks of ingredient-driven irritation and improper use. Her assessment highlights that while discount retailers carry functional humectants, occlusives, and sunscreens, consumers must navigate hidden active ingredients, fragrance-induced hyperpigmentation, and formulation misuse. Underarm Formulation and Antiperspirant Timing (0:00) Dr. Dray notes that items marketed as standard deodorants frequently contain aluminum chlorohydrate, effectively functioning as antiperspirants without clear front-label disclosure. While these discount formulas avoid isothiazolinone preservatives—compounds known for high rates of contact allergy—the combination of aluminum salts with heavy fragrance significantly raises the risk of irritant contact dermatitis. Dr. Dray identifies this irritation as a primary driver of underarm hyperpigmentation, observing that fragrance exposure can induce discoloration even in the absence of a visible rash or active inflammation, which may resolve only after a complete cessation of antiperspirant or deodorant use. Application mechanics also dictate safety and efficacy. For individuals with underarm hair, Dr. Dray advises using spray antiperspirants over stick formats; rubbing sticks repeatedly over hair deposits product onto the hair fibers rather than the skin, increasing contact area and exposure to irritants. Regarding application timing, she explains that people without hyperhidrosis require antiperspirant only a few nights per week. Applying product in the morning is largely ineffective because daily movement and garment friction abrade the formulation before aluminum salts can settle into the sweat ducts, whereas bedtime application to dry skin allows proper diffusion. Barrier Agents, Cheilitis Risks, and Exfoliation Limits (2:32) When evaluating body lotions and lip products, Dr. Dray highlights the value of pairing mineral oil with dimethicone, which creates a non-greasy occlusive barrier that limits transepidermal water loss. However, she warns against scented lip treatments that introduce common allergens. While pure petroleum jelly serves as the gold standard for restoring chapped lips, adding artificial flavorings, beeswax, or propolis frequently precipitates allergic contact cheilitis. Addressing mechanical and chemical exfoliation, Dr. Dray observes that sugar scrubs can soften rough texture associated with keratosis pilaris. Nevertheless, she cautions against simultaneously combining physical scrubs, shaving, and chemical exfoliants such as glycolic or lactic acid. Stacking these methods excessively strips the skin barrier, precipitating irritant contact dermatitis and razor burn. Sunscreen Film Integrity and SPF Selection (9:01) Dr. Dray issues a strict dermatological rule regarding liquid bronzing drops: they must never be mixed directly into sunscreen. Dispensing sunscreen and blending in tinting drops disrupts the manufacturer's emulsion, compromises the uniform film required for ultraviolet defense, and diminishes the labeled SPF value. Instead, sunscreen must be applied alone and allowed to dry completely into a set film before applying any cosmetic tints gently over top. Among the retailer's sun care offerings, she endorses Banana Boat Sport SPF 30 for humid conditions, noting that its water resistance stays intact during heavy perspiration while still allowing sweat to evaporate naturally rather than feeling suffocating. She also points out Sugar Girl Shimmer Sunscreen, a chemical facial sunscreen containing niacinamide to help mitigate hyperpigmentation, erythema, and free-radical stress, as well as Poolside Clear Intentions for consumers needing a fragrance-free chemical formula. Sunless Tanning, Humectants, and Sanitizer Limitations (4:23) Reviewing self-tanning devices and novelty hydrators, Dr. Dray confirms that sunless tanners formulated with dihydroxyacetone (DHA) provide a dramatically safer cosmetic tan than UV exposure or tanning beds. She clarifies that DHA offers no UV protection and that using chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or retinol accelerates cell turnover, shortening the lifespan of the tan while helping ensure an even, streak-free application. For dry texture, body oils formulated with liquid paraffin can gently loosen dead skin flakes without mechanical abrasion. While playful novelty items such as boba-themed gel lotions incorporate legitimate hydrating humectants—including sodium hyaluronate, trehalose, and Chondrus crispus—Dr. Dray cautions shoppers on the limits of discount hand sanitizers. Although alcohol gels effectively neutralize standard respiratory viruses, they fail against resilient gastrointestinal pathogens including Clostridioides difficile, norovirus, and Cryptosporidium, which strictly require physical handwashing with soap and running water. Dr. Dray demonstrates that budget-friendly shopping at Five Below can yield effective barrier creams, hydrators, and verified sunscreens, provided buyers read ingredient labels critically. Consumers can avoid common skin complications by steering clear of known contact allergens in lip and underarm products, applying antiperspirants at night, and maintaining the chemical integrity of sunscreens.

Source quotes

[0:00] Dr Dray: hidden antiperspirant [4:23] Dr Dray: nothing about what the heck Love Island is [7:12] Dr Dray: this alone is worth getting allergic contact dermatitis for [7:12] Dr Dray: a little too juvenile [7:12] Dr Dray: I don't know where I draw the line, okay? I don't make the rules. [10:39] Dr Dray: a pretty sizable tube of lip balm [10:39] Dr Dray: they had the lamest charms [10:39] Dr Dray: Way to go Surface. You definitely one-upped Cocokind on your lip balm. [10:39] Dr Dray: you never know what you're going to get [11:29] AI can't replace me because I don't do anything. [11:29] Dr Dray: I don't know why that made me laugh

Original transcript

[0:00] Starting out here at Five Below, we have [0:02] these body wash scents that are sounding [0:04] promising. Citrus looks like a dupe for [0:07] Native body wash. Then they also have [0:09] what's marketed as deodorant. Although [0:12] on the ingredient list, not called out [0:14] as an antiperspirant, it does have [0:15] aluminum chlorohydrate. So, it's kind of [0:19] a hidden antiperspirant. Nonetheless, we [0:22] have frosted cherry, vanilla honey, and [0:24] sugar cookie. Provided you're not [0:25] allergic to fragrance, I think these are [0:28] possibly good body washes. Hard to say. [0:30] They don't have thiazolinones in them [0:32] though. So, that is a preservative that [0:35] you'll often encounter in products in [0:36] the Dollar Tree, and unfortunately [0:38] allergy to that is pretty high. But this [0:41] could be super irritating under the arms [0:43] as is the case with all antiperspirants, [0:44] especially the spray. You know, it's [0:46] it's marketed as a deodorant. I I guess [0:48] because maybe the antiperspirant [0:51] aluminum salt in this isn't the right [0:54] percentage strength, who knows. But both [0:56] the strong fragrance coupled with the [0:58] aluminum, those are two common [1:01] uh causes of underarm irritation that [1:04] can lead to dark underarms. And [1:05] sometimes you can even have an allergy [1:08] or a problem with the fragrance in [1:10] deodorants or antiperspirants to the [1:12] point that it leads to hyperpigmentation [1:14] without any primary rash. Like you never [1:17] developed a rash under your arms, just [1:18] have discoloration. And honestly, a [1:20] trial of avoiding antiperspirants and or [1:23] deodorants under the arms for a period [1:25] of time, I mean, a while, it it can help [1:27] it to fade. One thing I like about [1:29] sprays for antiperspirant purposes is [1:33] that they're going to hair-bearing areas [1:35] really well. So, if you have hair under [1:36] your armpits, I suggest a spray. People [1:39] end up rubbing the stick back and forth [1:40] and back and forth and back and forth, [1:42] coating the hair. They have extra [1:43] surface area coverage and prolonged [1:45] contact with unnecessary amounts of the [1:48] aluminum salt slash the fragrance [1:50] ingredient. That's another reason for [1:51] contact. So, I actually love the sprays. [1:53] In the case of true antiperspirants, [1:55] which again, I can't comment on this cuz [1:57] it's not labeled as an antiperspirant. [1:59] It doesn't have the aluminum salt called [2:01] out as an active ingredient. Provided [2:02] you don't have hyperhidrosis, which is a [2:04] medical term for excessive sweating, you [2:06] can get away with only using [2:08] antiperspirant a couple of times a week. [2:10] Once you start using it correctly, [2:11] problem is most people don't use it [2:12] correctly. They put it on in the [2:13] morning, so that rubs all over [2:15] everywhere, and that's the end of that. [2:16] It doesn't have an adequate chance to [2:18] get down in the follicle. [2:19] Antiperspirant, the aluminum salt, to [2:21] take advantage of it to reduce sweat [2:23] output, you need to be putting it on at [2:25] night time. You can wash it off the [2:26] following morning because at that point, [2:28] whatever's left on the surface of the [2:29] skin doesn't offer any benefit. Oh, [2:32] look, sprinkles cupcake-themed body [2:35] lotion. This looks intriguing. Provided [2:37] you're not allergic to fragrance and [2:38] don't hate the scent. It's hard to say [2:41] how good of a moisturizer it is just by [2:43] looking at ingredients alone, but it's [2:44] got mineral oil, which is great at [2:46] locking in hydration. NYC also has here [2:49] these little mini pots of petroleum [2:51] jelly that Do you have flavoring? Okay, [2:53] so when it comes to persistent dry [2:55] chapped lips, contact cheilitis to [2:57] ingredients in lip balms very common. [2:59] Your best bet in that situation is to [3:02] just do plain petroleum jelly. But [3:04] unfortunately, they add fragrance to [3:06] this. Mineral oil is the main [3:08] ingredient. It also has beeswax, another [3:10] ingredient that can can be a culprit in [3:12] allergic cheilitis. Beeswax, propolis. [3:15] Speaking of the sprinkles cupcake, I [3:17] didn't even see this here. They have a [3:19] strawberry cupcake body butter. Willing [3:21] to bet that's a bit thicker texture [3:23] compared to this, just guessing. But it [3:25] also has, of course, mineral oil. [3:27] Dimethicone is a great moisturizing [3:29] ingredient to mix in with mineral oil [3:31] cuz it helps it to feel less greasy on [3:33] the skin, and it reduces water loss. [3:35] They have some sort of Sol de Janeiro [3:38] style packaging. The body scrubs, you [3:40] know, this could be helpful for [3:41] keratosis pilaris. Just a little gentle [3:43] mechanical exfoliation. But be real [3:45] careful stacking this with like shaving [3:49] plus a chemical exfoliant. A lot of [3:50] people get way way over the top with the [3:52] exfoliating. They end up giving [3:54] themselves a razor burn or irritant [3:58] irritant contact dermatitis. But, this [4:00] is where you want to be spending your [4:02] money in here on a body wash. This is [4:04] the Tree Hut body wash foaming gel wash. [4:07] Provided you're not allergic to [4:08] fragrance. These are really good. I've [4:09] used them before. I really like them. [4:11] They also have the sugar scrubs. They [4:13] tend to be very strongly scented, but [4:15] you know, the same talking points with [4:17] regards to can be helpful for [4:18] mechanically exfoliating uh the rough [4:20] bumps of keratosis pilaris, but you [4:22] don't want to overdo it. So, I know [4:24] nothing about what the heck Love Island [4:26] is. I hear people talking about it [4:29] randomly, you know, mentioning it, but I [4:31] I I couldn't tell you the first thing [4:33] about Love Island. But, they have this [4:36] spray tan gun here. [4:39] Okay, so let's see. I'm pretty sure this [4:41] is going to be all dihydroxyacetone, [4:43] which [4:44] is safe to use, much safer than a UV [4:46] Look at this [4:48] Check this out, you guys. Okay. I don't [4:50] typically do the sunless tanning thing, [4:52] but I am kind of tempted to test this [4:54] out. I mean, look at this gadget. Um [4:58] Yeah, these are all dihydroxyacetone [5:01] tanning solutions, which actually is [5:03] very safe for the skin. There's even [5:05] some evidence that it potentially could [5:08] offer some [5:10] visible light protection, although that [5:12] hasn't really been vetted. It doesn't [5:13] offer you any sun protection, though. [5:16] Just keep that in mind. And, you know, [5:18] irritation's possible. Uh if you are [5:21] using a um [5:23] a [5:24] a body lotion regularly that has [5:27] retinol, glycolic acid, ammonium [5:29] lactate, lactic acid. [5:32] People ask, is that going to cut down on [5:34] the duration for which this lasts? Yes, [5:37] it will, because the dihydroxyacetone [5:40] pigment leads to the color [5:42] through a reaction that happens by [5:44] binding to proteins and stuff in that [5:46] outer dead layer layer. While it will [5:49] not last as many days, if you are a [5:51] regular user of those types of things, I [5:54] can tell you this, it'll go on a lot [5:56] more evenly. So, it's kind of a toss-up. [5:58] Do you want patchy [6:00] uh [6:00] application and orange kneecaps, or do [6:04] you want to have to put it on maybe a [6:06] day earlier than you would have liked? [6:08] Um I've got to say that's one of the [6:09] most novel things I've seen in a long [6:11] time, that spray gun. They also have um [6:15] Spray and Slay, this body oil that's [6:17] going to give you a shimmer. Okay. Body [6:20] oils, you know, aside from mineral oil, [6:22] they don't really lock in hydration. [6:24] They just kind of soften. If you've got [6:26] flaky skin, they're really good for [6:27] actually exfoliating. Most people don't [6:29] think about that or realize that, but [6:31] that's that's really where they shine, [6:33] cuz they help the flakes come off [6:35] without irritating the skin. But, most [6:37] of these kind of things are going to be [6:38] scented, so you have the fragrance [6:39] allergy caveat, of course. Villa [6:42] Vanilla, Fiji Punch, and what is this [6:45] other one? Casa Colada. [6:48] Those are looking [6:50] um like interesting scents. What are [6:52] What are the ingredients we're working [6:53] with here? Boy, they really lock these [6:55] in. It's a sizeable 10 oz, okay. That's [6:59] a pretty good good deal. Liquid [7:01] paraffin, that's mineral oil. This [7:02] actually looks like a really good value, [7:04] provided you're not bothered by or [7:05] allergic to the scent, which I can't [7:07] predict for any one of you guys. Oh my [7:09] goodness, this alone is worth getting [7:11] allergic contact dermatitis for, this [7:14] cute little Boba gel lotion. What the [7:17] flip mode. Y'all, that is cute as can [7:20] be, with the little like spoon Oh my [7:22] gosh. [7:24] Oh my goodness. Sodium hyaluronate, [7:26] that's really good for improving water [7:27] content in the skin, which really goes [7:29] quite far. It also has Chondrus crispus [7:32] in it, which is uh [7:34] snow mushroom. And let me tell you, that [7:37] is a wonderful hydrator, along with [7:39] trehalose. You got brown sugar, and you [7:42] have strawberry matcha. [7:44] Those are adorable. Then we have more [7:46] body scrub here, very bougie, saffron [7:49] and jasmine, pistachio salted caramel, [7:52] vanilla sea salt, and sweet and juicy, [7:56] looks like watermelon, and then saffron [7:59] and jasmine again. Then this comes with [8:01] a little case that you can stick on the [8:04] back of your phone or your hand [8:06] sanitizer. And [8:08] they're really they're really thinking [8:09] of all the little bells and whistles, [8:11] aren't they? My goodness, I don't even [8:13] care if this is a good claw clip because [8:15] this is just too cute. Y'all, I love [8:18] strawberry shortcake, probably one of my [8:20] favorites. They also have a Winnie the [8:23] Pooh claw clamp that's really adorable, [8:25] a little fuzzy Well, I wouldn't That's a [8:27] little too juvenile for me. This, no. [8:30] That, yeah. I don't know where I draw [8:32] the line, okay? I don't don't ask me, I [8:34] don't make the rules. Also got hand [8:36] sanitizer here. This is great for cold [8:38] and flu season. However, if you happen [8:40] to be plagued, unfortunately, or caring [8:42] for someone with Clostridium difficile [8:46] or norovirus [8:48] or um crypto uh [8:50] sporidium, [8:52] this will not cut it. You actually [8:54] physically have to wash your hands. What [8:56] would one do with this adorable little [8:58] tumbler? This is so cute, the little [9:00] bow. Danny Beauty also has some uh [9:04] sun-kissed bronzing drops. You can add [9:06] these to moisturizer, but I always point [9:08] this out, don't add stuff like this to [9:10] your sunscreen cuz it'll jack up the [9:13] um sun protective properties. If you put [9:15] the sunscreen in your hand and add drops [9:17] of this to it and mix it and then put it [9:19] on, no. No, no, no, you can't do that. [9:22] You can um put your sunscreen on, let it [9:25] dry down, and then, you know, put this [9:27] on top somehow. I I honestly don't know [9:29] how that would work because I think that [9:31] you need to dilute it out. But whatever [9:33] you do, you don't want to mix anything [9:35] into sunscreen. It ruins the um [9:38] the whole chemistry of it and it won't [9:40] reliably protect you. And that includes [9:42] you don't want to mix other sunscreens [9:44] into sunscreen. I've got some Banana [9:46] Boat Sport SPF 30. This is good for [9:50] humidity [9:53] because the water resistance just kind [9:55] of helps it stay in place. These go on [9:57] really well too if you're sweaty and [10:00] they don't feel so oppressive. They [10:01] allow for good evaporation of sweat. [10:04] Then this I don't believe was here last [10:06] time the shimmer sunscreen for the face [10:08] by Sugar Girl. So this is a [10:13] chemical sunscreen and it has [10:15] niacinamide. That's really good for dark [10:18] spots, redness and it's an antioxidant. [10:20] So that's good to have in a sunscreen to [10:23] offset some of the damaging effects of [10:25] UV cuz no sunscreen 100% blocks UV. So [10:29] that's cool that you know, I mean that's [10:31] a pretty common ingredient in in [10:33] sunscreens. This Poolside Clear [10:35] Intentions is a fragrance-free chemical [10:39] sunscreen. Allergic contact cheilitis [10:42] aside from the flavorings in these [10:44] obviously flavored lip balms. [10:46] What the Okay, first of all that is a [10:48] pretty sizable tube of lip balm. That's [10:51] a generous That's a generous portion [10:53] there. These little charms are adorable. [10:57] Remember when I reviewed the CocoKind [10:59] lip balms? I liked them but they had the [11:02] lamest charms. This is the kind of charm [11:04] actually I was like, "Yeah, okay." Way [11:07] to go Surface. You definitely one-upped [11:11] CocoKind on your lip balm. Oh, and [11:13] they've got the hand sanitizer ones too. [11:15] Cherry pie, caramel latte. [11:19] Um Yeah, those are the And then we have [11:23] surprise. I don't know. Surprise sounds [11:25] like a pink version of mystery scent. [11:28] You never know what you're going to get [11:29] there. [11:30] Hey, I can't replace me because I don't [11:32] do anything. [11:37] >> [laughter] [11:38] >> I don't know why that made me laugh. [11:56] >> [music]